Automatic spent magazine ejection &amp; control group

ABSTRACT

A firearm comprising: (i) an ammunition magazine which automatically ejects from the lower receiver of the firearm when the ammunition magazine is spent; (ii) a control group comprising a magazine release mechanism for releasing the magazine catch so that the ammunition magazine is detachable from the lower receiver, a bolt catch engage mechanism for engaging the bolt catch with the bolt carrier and retaining the bolt carrier in the retracted position, and a bolt catch release mechanism for releasing the bolt catch from the bolt carrier and allowing the bolt carrier to move forward, wherein the control group components can be operated by the user on either the left side or right side of the firearm; and (iii) optionally, a charging handle which can be operated by the user on either the left side or right side of the firearm.

CROSS REFERENCING OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/574,764, filed Mar. 2, 2018, entitled “Automatic Spent MagazineEjection & Control Group”, and claims priority to International PatentApplication No. PCT/IB16/052810, filed on May 16, 2016, entitled“Automatic Spent Magazine Ejection & Control Group”, which claimspriority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/168,714, filed on May 29,2015, entitled “Automatic Spent Magazine Ejection & Control Group” and,all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to firearms, and more particularly, tofirearms that operate using ammunition magazines and bolt systems.

BACKGROUND

Firearms are commonly used in industries such as the military, lawenforcement, security, hunting and recreational target shooting. Many oftoday's firearms operate through the coordinated actions of anammunition magazine and a bolt carrier.

Ammunition magazines store and feed multiple cartridges of ammunitionwhile within or attached to a firearm. Ammunition magazines aregenerally made of metal or plastic, and they may be straight or curved.Magazines carry multiple cartridges of ammunition and allow the user tocarry around the magazines themselves instead of loose cartridges.Perhaps the most common type of magazine today is the detachable boxtype. The detachable box type magazine has several benefits, includingallowing the user to conveniently remove spent magazines and replacethem with loaded magazines.

The detachable box type magazine comprises a container for storingammunition. The container has a bottom end and an open top end, wherethe top end attaches to the firearm via a slot in the firearm's lowerreceiver. A spring-loaded follower for feeding ammunition cartridges isprovided in the interior of the container. When ammunition is loadedinto the magazine, it compresses the spring and pushes the followerdownwards towards the bottom end. Cartridges may be stored in a column,usually with one above the other or staggered in a zig zag fashion. Asthe top cartridge is expended, the spring pushes the follower, as wellas the ammunition on top of the follower, upwards towards the open topend of the magazine. The next cartridge is thus positioned to be loadedinto the firearm's chamber.

In many firearms, when a new cartridge is pushed upwards to the top endof the magazine, a tubular bolt carrier is used to drive the cartridgeforward into the chamber. A recess in the bolt face of the bolt carriergrips the back end of the cartridge. When the bullet is fired, it isexpelled from the cartridge and rides down and out the barrel of thefirearm. An empty cartridge case is left behind and held by the boltface. Pressure, such as gas pressure from the firing of the bullet,causes the bolt carrier to move backwards taking the empty cartridgecase with it. The empty cartridge case may be ejected out a port openingin the firearm or manually removed.

When the magazine is empty, a bolt catch is often used to retain thebolt carrier in a rearward position and prevents it from engaging thechamber. This allows the user to remove the spent magazine and replaceit with a loaded magazine.

Unfortunately, the process of replacing an empty magazine with a loadedmagazine requires multiple steps and is time consuming. Generally, thefollowing steps are required:

Visually check that the magazine is out of ammunition and that thefirearm has not jammed;

Remove empty magazine from the lower receiver of the firearm;

Insert loaded magazine into the lower receiver of the firearm;

Cycle the bolt carrier to chamber the first round of ammunition; and

Re-acquire the intended target for engagement.

In the many different critical and dangerous situations which can befaced by users in the military, law enforcement, security and evenhunting, time is limited. Users must replace the empty magazine asquickly and efficiently as possible. Any features in the firearm thatcan automate, streamline, speed up or simplify any of these stepsinvolved in reloading the firearm would be advantageous.

Most firearms have control features whereby a user can manually: (i)eject a magazine; (ii) release the bolt catch to allow the bolt carrierto move forward; and/or (iii) engage the bolt catch to retain the boltcarrier in the rearward position. Known firearms including the AR-15,M16 and M4 have such manual controls on only one side of the firearm.For example, many standard embodiments have the manual magazine releasecontrol on the right side only and the manual bolt catch controls on theleft side only.

Many firearms also have a charging handle. This may be a protrusion orhook formed from the side of the bolt carrier or a lever. A charginghandle allows the user to manually pull the bolt carrier rearwards. Forexample, the charging handle may be used to eject an empty cartridgecase or unfired cartridge from the chamber, to load a round from themagazine, to clear a jam or double feed or to release the bolt carrierfrom being retained in the rearwards position. In cases where a jamoccurs which requires clearing or the firearm needs to be cleaned orinspected, the bolt carrier needs to be moved rearwards and the charginghandle is used to accomplish this.

Charging handles often protrude out one side of the firearm and aretherefore, susceptible to getting caught on objects and getting damaged.Furthermore, many charging handles are not sufficiently large or easy togrip by users, such as users who are wearing gloves or protectiveclothing. Also charging handles are only generally operable from oneside of the firearm.

Most users are not ambidextrous and therefore, will generally find itmore difficult to operate a control present on only one of the two sidesof the firearm. Alternatively, in critical and dangerous situationswhich can be faced by a user, the user's access to one side of thefirearm may be obstructed or hampered. For example, one of the user'shands or arms may be physically injured and have difficulty accessingone side of the firearm. In addition, in a critical and dangeroussituation, it may be important for the user's self-defense to keep afinger of his or her preferred hand on the trigger while operating thefirearm's various controls with his or her opposing hand. Therefore, afirearm which provides for ambidextrous operation of its controls wouldbe beneficial.

Bolt catch release levers are available which extend around the outsideof the lower receiver from one side to the other side. This allows theuser to release the bolt catch manually from either side of the firearm.Typically, these pass through the trigger area and can interfere withgloved operation. Unfortunately, such a device which extends around theexterior of the firearm is susceptible to damage, getting caught onother objects and so on. Other solutions which provide for user controlon both sides of the firearm require a modified lower receiver to becompatible. This is not only costly and complex to do, but alsoundesirable because the lower receiver is often the registered part ofthe firearm and is preferably not replaced.

It would be beneficial to have features on the firearm that allow a userto quickly, conveniently and manually: (i) eject the magazine; (ii)release the bolt catch to allow the bolt carrier to move forward; (iii)engage the bolt catch to retain the bolt carrier in the rearwardposition; and/or (iv) operate the charging handle, on either side of thefirearm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a firearm having a forwardend and a rearward end, and a left side and a right side opposite theleft side, said firearm comprising an ammunition magazine for carryingammunition cartridges, an upper receiver, a lower receiver, a magazinecatch for attaching the ammunition magazine to the lower receiver, and amagazine release mechanism for releasing the magazine catch so that theammunition magazine is detachable from the lower receiver, said firearmcomprising a chamber, a bolt carrier for stripping an ammunitioncartridge from the ammunition magazine and moving the ammunitioncartridge forward to the chamber, a bolt catch for retaining the boltcarrier in a retracted position rearward from the ammunition magazine, abolt catch engage mechanism for engaging the bolt catch with the boltcarrier and retaining the bolt carrier in the retracted position, and abolt catch release mechanism for releasing the bolt catch from the boltcarrier and allowing the bolt carrier to move forward, said ammunitionmagazine comprising a container body for carrying ammunition cartridges,said container body having a bottom end defined by a bottom door, a sidewall extending upwards from the bottom door, an open top end which isattachable to the lower receiver by the magazine catch, said ammunitionmagazine comprising a follower positioned inside the container body, anda follower spring positioned between the follower and the bottom door,wherein the follower spring provides force to bias the follower and thebottom door so that the follower moves up the side wall as ammunitioncartridges are used, wherein said follower further comprises anoutwardly extending protrusion, said protrusion making contact with andmoving the magazine catch when the last ammunition cartridge has beenstripped from the ammunition magazine and the follower has moved upabove the open top end of the ammunition magazine, such that theammunition magazine is detachable from the lower receiver, said magazinerelease mechanism comprising a left magazine release feature on the leftside of the firearm and a right magazine release feature on the rightside of the firearm, wherein the magazine release mechanism isconfigured so that the left magazine release feature is actuated with afirst user action to release the magazine catch and detach theammunition magazine from the lower receiver, and wherein the magazinerelease mechanism is configured so that the right magazine releasefeature is actuated with a second user action to release the magazinecatch and detach the ammunition magazine from the lower receiver, saidbolt catch engage mechanism comprising a left bolt catch engage featureon the left side of the firearm and a right bolt catch engage feature onthe right side of the firearm, wherein the bolt catch engage mechanismis configured so that the left bolt catch engage feature is actuatedwith a third user action to engage the bolt catch with the bolt carrierand retain the bolt carrier in the retracted position, and wherein thebolt catch engage mechanism is configured so that the right bolt catchengage feature is actuated with a fourth user action to engage the boltcatch with the bolt carrier and retain the bolt carrier in the retractedposition, said bolt catch release mechanism comprising a left bolt catchrelease feature on the left side of the firearm and a right bolt catchrelease feature on the right side of the firearm, wherein the bolt catchrelease mechanism is configured so that the left bolt catch releasefeature is actuated with a fifth user action to release the bolt catchfrom the bolt carrier and allow the bolt carrier to move forward, andwherein the bolt catch release mechanism is configured so that the rightbolt catch release feature is actuated with a sixth user action torelease the bolt catch from the bolt carrier and allow the bolt carrierto move forward.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an ammunition magazinefor use with a firearm, said firearm comprising a lower receiver and amagazine catch for attaching the ammunition magazine to the lowerreceiver, said ammunition magazine comprising a container body forcarrying ammunition cartridges, said container body having a bottom enddefined by a bottom door, a side wall extending upwards from the bottomdoor, an open top end which is attachable to the lower receiver by themagazine catch, said ammunition magazine comprising a followerpositioned inside the container body, and a follower spring positionedbetween the follower and the bottom door, wherein the follower springprovides force to bias the follower and the bottom door so that thefollower moves up the side wall as ammunition cartridges are used,wherein said follower further comprises an outwardly extendingprotrusion, said protrusion making contact with and moving the magazinecatch when the last ammunition cartridge has been stripped from theammunition magazine and the follower has moved up above the open top endof the ammunition magazine, such that the ammunition magazine isdetachable from the lower receiver.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a control group for afirearm, said firearm having a forward end and a rearward end, and aleft side and a right side opposite the left side, said firearmcomprising an ammunition magazine for carrying ammunition cartridges, alower receiver and a magazine catch for attaching the ammunitionmagazine to the lower receiver, said firearm comprising a chamber, abolt carrier for stripping an ammunition cartridge from the ammunitionmagazine and moving the ammunition cartridge forward to the chamber, abolt catch for retaining the bolt carrier in a retracted positionrearward from the ammunition magazine, said control group comprising amagazine release mechanism for releasing the magazine catch so that theammunition magazine is detachable from the lower receiver, a bolt catchengage mechanism for engaging the bolt catch with the bolt carrier andretaining the bolt carrier in the retracted position, and a bolt catchrelease mechanism for releasing the bolt catch from the bolt carrier andallowing the bolt carrier to move forward, said magazine releasemechanism comprising a left magazine release feature on the left side ofthe firearm and a right magazine release feature on the right side ofthe firearm, wherein the magazine release mechanism is configured sothat the left magazine release feature is actuated with a first useraction to release the magazine catch and detach the ammunition magazinefrom the lower receiver, and wherein the magazine release mechanism isconfigured so that the right magazine release feature is actuated with asecond user action to release the magazine catch and detach theammunition magazine from the lower receiver, said bolt catch engagemechanism comprising a left bolt catch engage feature on the left sideof the firearm and a right bolt catch engage feature on the right sideof the firearm, wherein the bolt catch engage mechanism is configured sothat the left bolt catch engage feature is actuated with a third useraction to engage the bolt catch with the bolt carrier and retain thebolt carrier in the retracted position, and wherein the bolt catchengage mechanism is configured so that the right bolt catch engagefeature is actuated with a fourth user action to engage the bolt catchwith the bolt carrier and retain the bolt carrier in the retractedposition, said bolt catch release mechanism comprising a left bolt catchrelease feature on the left side of the firearm and a right bolt catchrelease feature on the right side of the firearm, wherein the bolt catchrelease mechanism is configured so that the left bolt catch releasefeature is actuated with a fifth user action to release the bolt catchfrom the bolt carrier and allow the bolt carrier to move forward, andwherein the bolt catch release mechanism is configured so that the rightbolt catch release feature is actuated with a sixth user action torelease the bolt catch from the bolt carrier and allow the bolt carrierto move forward.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a charging handle foruse with a firearm, said firearm having a forward end and a rearwardend, and a left side and a right side opposite the left side, saidfirearm comprising an upper receiver, a chamber, a bolt carrier forstripping an ammunition cartridge from an ammunition magazine and movingthe ammunition cartridge forward to the chamber, said charging handleconfigured to be secured to the upper receiver of the firearm, saidcharging handle comprising a front end and a rear end, and a shaftextending from the front end to the rear end, said charging handlefurther comprising a hook at the front end, wherein said hook engagesthe bolt carrier of the firearm, said charging handle further comprisinga first grip wing and a second grip wing adjacent the rear end, whereinwhen the charging handle is in use, the first grip wing extends outwardsin a direction generally perpendicular to the left side of the firearmand the second grip wing extends outwards in a direction generallyperpendicular to the right side of the firearm, wherein when thecharging handle is in use, the user grasps and pulls on one or both ofthe left grip wing and the right grip wing with a rearwards force,causing the charging handle to move rearwards and causing the boltcarrier to move rearwards, wherein when the charging handle is not inuse, the first grip wing folds inwards and extends in a directiongenerally parallel to the left side of the firearm and the second gripwing folds inwards and extends in a direction generally parallel to theright side of the firearm.

The firearm of the present invention is designed to increase the speedof deployment of the firearm, particularly in reloading the weapon.Furthermore, the firearm of the present invention is designed to alloweasy access to the control functions thereof, particularly on both sidesof the firearm.

Upon the last cartridge being chambered, the ammunition magazine of thepresent invention is automatically ejected, thus saving critical secondsthat the user would otherwise need to spend checking to see if themagazine is out of ammunition and manually removing the magazine. Theuser need not spend time reacquiring the target and is protected by thechambered round of ammunition.

The ammunition magazine may be ejected in any orientation and at anyangle. This feature may be critical as the user may be in a dangeroussituation where he or she needs to hold the firearm in an awkward orunorthodox position, such as upside down or sideways.

In addition, the automatic ejection of the spent ammunition magazineprevents accidental or mistaken loading of empty ammunition magazines.There is also a reduction in double-feeding jams.

The control group of components of the firearm of the present invention,including the magazine release mechanism, the bolt catch engagemechanism and the bolt catch release mechanism, can be easilyretrofitted onto the standard lower receivers of many firearms,including all US military standard MIL-SPEC lower receivers, without anyneed for machining or alterations. No modification to the lower receiveror any other part of the firearm is required other than a substitutionof parts. Installation of the control group is simple and efficient anddoes not require any specialized tools or jigs.

This control group has a slick, non-obtrusive profile. Since the controlgroup does not protrude out either side of the firearm or extend aroundthe exterior of the firearm, it is not susceptible to getting caught onother objects or being damaged.

The control group of the present invention may be used with standardammunition magazines. It is preferably used in conjunction with theammunition magazine of the present invention, as this provides theadditional functionality of automatic ejection of empty magazines.

The charging handle of the present invention is less susceptible togetting caught on objects, such clothing or straps, and to gettingdamaged because the grip wings are folded inwards when the charginghandle is not in use.

The charging handle of the present invention is easy and comfortable touse because the grip wings are large enough to allow for access by twoto three fingers, instead of only one. Also, the grip wings can extendout both sides of the firearm and therefore, allow for ambidextrousoperation.

The control group and the charging handle of the present invention canbe operated from either the left side or right side of the firearm. Thismay be crucial in a situation where the user needs to or prefers tooperate one of the firearm's controls with his or her left hand or righthand only. For example, one of the user's hands may be injured leavingonly the other hand to operate the controls. Alternatively, the user maybe in a situation where he or she needs to defend himself or herself bykeeping the finger of his or her preferred hand on the trigger whileoperating the controls with the opposing hand. The firearm of thepresent invention provides for such ambidextrous operation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 1 c illustrate right, top and left views of a priorart AR-15 rifle;

FIGS. 2 a, 2 b and 2 c illustrate right, top and left views of apreferred embodiment of the firearm of the present invention, whereinthe preferred embodiment is an AR-15 rifle;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the components of a preferred embodimentof the present invention;

FIGS. 4a and 4b are left side and right side views of a preferredammunition magazine and a preferred control group of the presentinvention applied to a lower receiver of a firearm;

FIGS. 5, 5 a, 5 b and 5 c are cross-sectional views of a preferredammunition magazine and a preferred control group of the presentinvention applied to a lower receiver of a firearm along section linesA-A, B-B and C-C;

FIG. 6 is a partial section view of a preferred ammunition magazine ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 7a and 7b are right side and left side views of a preferredammunition magazine of the present invention;

FIGS. 8 a, 8 b and 8 c are elevation views of a preferred ammunitionmagazine of the present invention while loaded with varying amounts ofammunition;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the components of a preferred ammunitionmagazine of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a view of the individual components of a preferred controlgroup of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a preferred charging handle of the presentinvention applied to the upper receiver of a firearm;

FIGS. 12a and 12b are top views of a preferred charging handle of thepresent invention in fully closed and fully open positions,respectively;

FIGS. 13 a, 13 b, 13 c and 13 d are partially sectioned top views of thepreferred charging handle of the present invention from the fully closedto fully open positions;

FIG. 14 is a view of the individual components of a preferred charginghandle of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a partial section view of a preferred firearm of the presentinvention showing the bolt carrier held in the rearward position by theraised bolt catch;

FIGS. 16 a, 16 b and 16 c are section views of the preferred magazinerelease mechanism, and specifically, FIG. 16a shows the magazine releaseactivated from the left side of the firearm, FIG. 16b shows the magazinerelease in its un-activated state, and FIG. 16c shows the magazinerelease activated from the right side of the firearm;

FIGS. 17a and 17b are section views of the bottom door of the preferredmagazine, and specifically, FIG. 17a shows the bottom door in theinstalled and locked state, and FIG. 17b shows the bottom door unlockedand fully folded; and

FIGS. 18a and 18b illustrate the follower and the magazine catch,including their interface features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A preferred embodiment of the firearm 10 of the present invention isillustrated in FIGS. 2 to 5 and can be compared to the prior art AR-15rifle shown in FIG. 1. Firearm 10 has a forward end 12 and a rearwardend 14. The firearm 10 also has a left side 16 and a right side 18. Theforward end 12 includes the barrel 20 from which a projectile, such as abullet, is launched towards a target. The length and diameter of thebarrel 20 varies widely depending on the type of firearm. The rearwardend 14 includes a handle 22 onto which a user grips the firearm 10. Atrigger 24 is present forward of the handle 22 and is squeezed rearwardsby the user when the user desires to fire a bullet.

A lower receiver 26 is present between the barrel 20 and trigger 24,wherein the lower receiver 26 is the point of attachment for anammunition magazine 28. FIGS. 6 to 9 illustrate a preferred embodimentof the ammunition magazine 28 of the present invention. The magazine 28includes a container body 30 for storing ammunition cartridges 32. Thebottom end 34 of the magazine 28 is defined by a bottom door 36. The topend 38 of the magazine 28 is open and attaches to the lower receiver 26.A side wall 40 extends from the bottom end 34 to the top end 38 and hasa forward side 42, a rearward side 44, a left side 46 and a right side48. The magazine 28 of the present invention is configured to interfacewith a standard lower receiver 26.

Retention flanges 50 preferably extend upwardly and inwardly from theupper parts of the side wall 40, preferably from one or both of the leftside 46 and right side 48. The retention flanges 50 provide increasedstructural support in the container body 30, which makes ejection of theammunition magazine 28 easier by preventing lateral bulges under load.The flanges 50 also provide retention of the cartridges 32 in thecontainer body 30 such that only the top cartridge 32 can be strippedfrom the magazine 28 at one time. This prevents double feeding jams thatare common in many standard ammunition magazines. The upper portion ofthe magazine 28 which includes the retention flanges 50 is preferably aseparate component so that it can be made from a different material thanthe lower portion of the magazine 28.

Preferably, a channel 52 extends generally vertically along the sidewall 40 on the same side as the magazine catch interface feature, eitheron the left side 46 or the right side 48. Depressed sections 54 arepresent in the side wall 40 adjacent the channel 52.

A follower 56 resides inside the container body 30 of the magazine 28.The follower 56 has a platform 58 upon which ammunition cartridges 32can rest. A skirt 60 extends generally perpendicularly and downwardlyfrom the platform 58. The skirt 60 is preferably continuous but may besplit into separate sections. A follower spring 62 is provided betweenthe follower 56 and the bottom door 36. When the magazine 28 hasammunition cartridges 32 loaded into it, the ammunition cartridges 32push the follower 56 downwards towards the bottom end 34 and the spring62 is compressed. In the preferred embodiment, the cartridges 32 arestored in a column, with one above the other. As the top cartridge 32 isstripped from the magazine 28, the spring 62 pushes the follower 56, aswell as the lower cartridges 32 resting on top of the follower 56,upwards towards the open top end 38 of the magazine 28. The nextcartridge 32 is thus positioned against the retention flanges 50 and canbe stripped from the magazine 28.

The platform 58 of the follower 56 preferably has inwardly and upwardlycurving shoulders 64. When the follower 56 is pushed upwards by thespring 62, the inwardly curving shoulders 64 pass in between and abovethe retention flanges 50.

A protrusion 66 extends outwardly from the skirt 60. As the follower 56moves up and down the container body 30, the protrusion 66 moves up anddown the channel 52 in the side wall 40. Depressions 68 are preferablyformed in the skirt 60 on either side of the protrusion 66 and help toreduce friction of the movement of the follower 56 and allow dirt anddebris to pass through.

In one preferred embodiment, the protrusion 66 is a separate part fromthe follower 56. The protrusion 66 preferably has an angled ramp 67 onits upper surface. Preferably, the protrusion 66 can move up and downrelative to the skirt 60 of the follower 56. A spring 69 is present tobias the movement of the protrusion 66 upwards relative to the skirt 60of the follower 56.

The rear side of the follower 56 preferably provides a flexiblestructure 70 for retention of the follower spring 62, such that thespring 62 can be installed and removed without the use of any tools.

Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 17a and 17 b, the bottom door 36 of themagazine 28 comprises a front half section 302, a rear half section 304and a hinge 306 located between the front half section 302 and the rearhalf section 304. The hinge 306 has a folding axis orientedsubstantially perpendicular to the left side 16 and the right side 18 ofthe firearm 10.

The bottom door 36 has tabs 308, 310 extending from each half section302, 304. These tabs 308, 310 are configured to interface with cavitiesin the container body 30 of the magazine 28 when the front half section302 and the rear half section 304 extend parallel to each other. Thebottom door 36 preferably further comprises a sliding lock 312 whichdisables the hinge 306 when the front half section 302 and the rear halfsection 304 extend parallel to each other. The sliding lock 312comprises a lock slide button 314, a spring 316 and a lock sleeve 318.In one preferred embodiment, the front half section 302 and the rearhalf section 304 interface with a lower end of the follower spring 62for retaining the follower spring 62 in place.

A control group of the firearm of the present invention will now bedescribed with respect to a preferred embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2 to5, 10, 15 and 16. The control group comprises a magazine releasemechanism, a bolt catch engage mechanism and a bolt catch releasemechanism.

The top end 38 of the magazine 28 fits into a standard lower receiver 26and is secured by a magazine release catch 72. The present inventionpreferably provides a magazine release mechanism, whereby when theammunition cartridges 32 in the magazine 28 are spent, the magazinerelease mechanism operates to release the magazine release catch 72 andthe empty magazine 28 is ejected from the lower receiver 26. Theindividual components of the preferred magazine release mechanism areshown in FIG. 10. A magazine release post 76 is a post with a proximalend 78 and a distal end 80. A protrusion 82 extends from the proximalend of the post. The magazine release catch 72 also has a proximal end84 and a distal end 86. A cavity 88 is formed at the proximal end 84 ofthe magazine release catch 72. A notch 90 and an associated ledge 92 areformed between the proximal end 84 and the distal end 86 of the magazinerelease catch 72. The proximal end 78 of the magazine release post 76fits into the cavity 88 at the proximal end 84 of the magazine releasecatch 72 so that the two components extend approximately perpendicularto each other. The magazine release post 76 and the magazine releasecatch 72 can pivot with respect to each other in only one direction,from being perpendicular to each other to an angle that is obtuse toeach other. The pivoting action takes place around the central axis ofthe magazine release post 76. The magazine release mechanism can beactivated either automatically when the magazine 28 is empty or manuallyby the user. When activated automatically (or manually from the leftside), the magazine release mechanism acts as a class 2 lever with thefulcrum being located at the contact point between the magazine releasecatch 72 and the lower receiver 26.

Preferably, the lower surface of the magazine release catch 72 comprisesan angled surface 73 which corresponds and interacts with the angledramp 67 of the protrusion 66 on the follower 56.

A stack lever 94 allows manual control of the magazine release as wellas automatic bolt catch engagement when no magazine is present and isshown in FIG. 10. The stack lever 94 has a proximal end 96 and a distalend 98. A pivot point 100 is located between the proximal end 96 and thedistal end 98 of the stack lever 94. At the proximal end 96 of the stacklever 94, there is a first protrusion 102 extending therefrom and a hook104 at the end of the first protrusion 102. The first protrusion 102 isconfigured to extend through the notch 90 of the magazine release catch72 and rest on the depressed section 54 of the magazine 28. The hook 104is configured to engage the ledge 92 of the magazine release catch 72. Asecond protrusion 106 is located between the proximal end 96 and thepivot point 100 of the stack lever 94 and extends generally upwardly.When activated, the stack lever 94 acts as a class 1 lever with thefulcrum being around its pivot point 100.

The stack lever 94 is mounted to the firearm 10 via a stack lever mount108 which is shown in FIG. 10. The stack lever mount 108 has a proximalend 110 and a distal end 112. A first mounting hole 114 is formedadjacent to the proximal end 110, while a second mounting hole 116 isformed adjacent to the distal end 112. The first mounting hole 114 andsecond mounting hole 116 are arranged to match the standard pivots ofthe trigger group of a standard lower receiver. The stack lever mount108 also has a pivot point 118 which aligns with the pivot point 100 ofthe stack lever 94. A spring 120 is trapped between the stack lever 94and the stack lever mount 108 to bias the stack lever 94 to pivotinwards relative to the stack lever mount 108 at the pivot points 100,118. A fence 122 is preferably located at the distal end 112 of thestack lever mount 108 and protects against accidental actuation of thestack lever 94. A walled cavity 124 is formed adjacent the distal end112 and surrounds the second mounting hole 116.

In addition to working in conjunction with the magazine releasemechanism, the stack lever 94 also works in conjunction with the boltcatch 126, which is shown in FIG. 10. The bolt catch 126 comprises aface 128 which, when the bolt catch 126 is engaged, is in a position tophysically block the bolt carrier 130 from travelling forward. A firstprotrusion 132 of the bolt catch 126 interacts with the secondprotrusion 106 of the stack lever 94. A second protrusion 134 of thebolt catch 126 is provided and allows the user to manually control thebolt catch 126. Specifically, when the user applies force to the secondprotrusion 134, such as through a button or pad, the bolt catch 126 isengaged and blocks the forward motion of the bolt carrier 130. The boltcatch 126 also comprises a cavity 136 adjacent the second protrusion134, wherein the cavity 136 is configured to receive a link rod.

A rocker lever 138 is provided on the side of the firearm 10 opposite tothe stack lever 94. For example, if the stack lever 94 is on the leftside 16, then the rocker lever 138 is on the right side 18. Conversely,if the stack lever 94 is on the right side 18, then the rocker lever 138is on the left side 16. As shown in FIG. 10, the rocker lever 138 has aproximal end 140 and a distal end 142. The rocker lever 138 has a firstcavity 141 formed therein configured to receive the barrel nut 190. Therocker lever 138 also has a second cavity 144 formed therein which isconfigured to receive the enlarged head 194 of the second link rod 182.The rocker lever 138 comprises a first access point 146 at the proximalend 140 and a second access point 148 at the distal end 142 which allowsthe user to manually control components in the firearm 10, such asthrough buttons or pads.

The rocker lever 138 pivots on and is mounted to the firearm 10 by arocker lever mount 150. As shown in FIG. 10, the rocker lever mount 150has a proximal end 152 and a distal end 154. A first mounting hole 156is formed adjacent to the proximal end 152, while a second mounting hole158 is formed adjacent to the distal end 154. The first mounting hole156 and second mounting hole 158 are arranged to match the standardpivots of the trigger group of a standard lower receiver, and also alignwith the first mounting hole 114 and the second mounting hole 116 of thestack lever mount 108, respectively. An alignment support surface 160extends between the first mounting hole 156 and the second mounting hole158 of the rocker lever mount 150 and assists the rocker lever 138 inmaintaining parallel orientation. An elongated pivot point 162 is formedbetween the proximal end 152 and the distal end 154 of the rocker levermount 150. The elongated pivot point 162 provides room and flexibilityfor the rocker lever 138 to shift slightly to maintain proper alignment.

The components on the left side 16 and the right side 18 of the firearm10 are joined by a first pivot sleeve 164 and a second pivot sleeve 166which pass through transversely through the lower receiver 26, replacingthe standard pivots of the trigger group. The first pivot sleeve 164extends through and is held in position by the first mounting hole 114of the stack lever mount 108 and the first mounting hole 156 of therocker lever mount 150. The second pivot sleeve 166 extends through andis held in position by the second mounting hole 116 of the stack levermount 108 and the second mounting hole 158 of the rocker lever mount150. Each of the first pivot sleeve 164 and the second pivot sleeve 166has a first end 168, 170 which fits through one of the mounting holes114, 116 of the stack lever mount 108 and a second end 172, 174 whichattaches to one of the mounting holes 156, 158 of the rocker lever mount150. The first end 168, 170 of each pivot sleeve 164, 166 preferably hasan enlarged head 176, 178 and may preferably have a surface configuredto interface with a tool, such as a screwdriver, for easy installation.The second end 172, 174 of each pivot sleeve 164, 166 is configured,such as being threaded, such that it can be easily fastened to one ofthe mounting holes 156, 158 of the rocker lever mount 150. In apreferred embodiment, the mounting holes 156, 158 of the rocker levermount 150 may have corresponding threads to those at the second end 172,174 of each pivot sleeve 164, 166. Each of the first pivot sleeve 164and the second pivot sleeve 166 have hollow passages extendingtherethrough for receiving link rods. The pivot sleeves 164, 166 providepivot surfaces for the trigger group components.

A first link rod 180 is present in the passage extending through thefirst pivot sleeve 164. A second link rod 182 is present in the passageextending through the second pivot sleeve 166.

At its proximal end 184, the first link rod 180 has an enlarged head 186which resides in the cavity 136 adjacent the second protrusion 134 inthe bolt catch 126. The enlarged head 186 of the first link rod 180 maypreferably include a surface which interacts with a tool, such as ascrewdriver, for easy installation. The distal end 188 of the first linkrod 180 may preferably be threaded so that it can be secured to a barrelnut 190. The barrel nut 190 fastens the distal end 188 of the first linkrod 180 to the rocker lever 138. The barrel nut 190 pivots inside acavity 141 at the proximal end 140 of the rocker lever 138.

At its proximal end 192, the second link rod 182 has an enlarged head194 which resides in the cavity 144 of the rocker lever 138. Theenlarged head 194 of the second link rod 182 may preferably include asurface which interacts with a tool, such as a screwdriver, for easyinstallation. The distal end 196 of the second link rod 182 maypreferably be threaded so that it can be secured to an actuator such asa button or pad. The button or pad fits inside the walled cavity 124formed in the stack lever mount 108. When the user exerts a force on thebutton or pad, the bolt catch 126 is released and no longer blocks thepath of the bolt carrier 130.

Referring to FIGS. 11 to 14, the firearm 10 of the present inventionpreferably comprises a charging handle 200 which is secured to the upperreceiver 198 of the firearm 10 and engages the bolt carrier 130. Thecharging handle 200 comprises a shaft 201 that extends from a front end202 to a rear end 204. The front end 202 has a bolt hook 216 whichgrasps a portion of the bolt carrier 130.

The charging handle 200 has a left grip wing 206 and a right grip wing208 adjacent the rear end 204. When not in use, as in FIG. 12 a, theleft grip wing 206 and the right grip wing 208 are folded inwards and donot protrude out to the left or right of the firearm 10. The left gripwing 206 has a hook feature 207 which engages into a pocket in astandard upper receiver 198 when the left grip wing 206 is foldedinwards. In this position, the charging handle 200 does not obstruct theuser's view and also is not susceptible to getting caught or damaged onother objects such as the user's clothing.

A rear face 210 is provided at the rear end 204. Pushing on the rearface 210 causes the left grip wing 206 and the right grip wing 208 toextend out to the left and right, respectively, as shown in FIG. 12 b.When extended, the grip wings 206, 208 can be used to grasp the charginghandle 200 and pull rearwards. Each grip wing 206, 208 is sufficientlylong so that a user can grab it with two or three fingers. The user canpull on just one or both of the grip wings 206, 208 and therefore, canpull using either their left hand or right hand, or both, and can pullon either the left side 16 or right side 18, or both, of the firearm 10.Pulling rearwards on the charging handle 200 causes the bolt carrier 130to retract.

The grip wings 206, 208 have inner surfaces 212, 214 which are concavein shape. This allows combustion gases from firing a round to bedirected forwards and away from the user's face when the wings 206, 208are folded inwards.

The concave first inner surface 212 of the first grip wing 206 and theconcave second inner surface 214 of the second grip wing 208 provide apath for combustion gases to travel in a direction substantially towardsthe forward end 12 of the firearm 10. This applies when the first gripwing 206 and the second grip wing 208 are folded parallel to the leftside 16 and the right side 18 of the firearm 10.

The present invention is designed such that an empty ammunition magazine28 is automatically ejected from the firearm 10 upon the last cartridge32 being chambered, and before the last cartridge has been fired. Theautomatic ejection of the ammunition magazine 28 can save the usercritical time that would otherwise need to be spent manually ejectingthe empty magazine 28. Furthermore, while loading a new magazine 28, theuser is protected by still having a single round chambered and ready tofire. In this way, the user does not necessarily need to re-acquire thetarget.

Automatic ejection of a spent magazine 28 preferably operates asfollows. When the bolt carrier 130 strips the last cartridge 32 from themagazine 28 and places it into the firing chamber, the follower 56 hasrisen to the top end 38 of the magazine 28. The inwardly curvingshoulders 64 of the follower 56 pass in between and above the retentionflanges 50 at the top end 38. The protrusion 66 on the follower 56travels upwards and makes contact with the magazine release catch 72.The magazine release catch 72 pivots as a class 2 lever about thecentral axis of the magazine release post 76. The follower 56 continuesto travel upwards until it contacts the underside of the bolt carrier130, pushing the magazine 28 out. No longer secured by the magazinerelease catch 72, the spent magazine 28 is ejected from the lowerreceiver 26 of the firearm. Once depressed section 54 of the magazine isno longer present for the first protrusion 102 of the stack lever 94 torest on, the stack lever 94 is spring biased to pivot so that firstprotrusion 102 moves inward towards the midline of the firearm 10. Thesecond protrusion 106 of the stack lever 94 is in contact with the firstprotrusion 132 of the bolt catch 126. When the stack lever 94 pivots, itmoves the bolt catch 126 to an engaged position where the face 128 ofthe bolt catch retains the bolt carrier 130 in the rearward position andprevents it from moving forward. This allows the user to quickly andeasily insert a loaded ammunition magazine 28 into the lower receiver 26to replace the ejected spent magazine 28.

In one preferred embodiment as shown in FIGS. 18a and 18 b, the angledramp 67 of the protrusion 66 on the follower 56 makes contact with theangled surface 73 on the lower surface of the magazine release catch 72during the magazine ejection process. The protrusion 66 can thereforeeffectively wedge the magazine release catch 72 to move it out of theway and pivot. As shown in FIG. 8 b, the protrusion 66 makes contact asthe follower 56 continues to travel upwards due to the bias of thefollower spring 62. As shown in FIG. 8 c, the follower 56 is allowed tomove upwards to contact the underside of the bolt carrier 130 forejection of the magazine 28, while the spring-loaded protrusion 66 stopsmoving upwards relative to the follower 56 and a part of the protrusion66 extends below the follower 56. In this manner, while the protrusion66 fully blocks the magazine catch port, it does not impede the furtherupward movement of the follower 56 making ejection of the magazine 28more efficient. The protrusion 66 blocking the magazine catch port iswhat prevents accidental insertion of an empty magazine and preventsfalse confidence in an unloaded firearm.

The firearm 10 of the present invention also provides for manualejection of the ammunition magazine 28 on both the left side 16 andright side 18, as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4 b. As is standard in manyfirearms, a button or pad 502 is provided on the right side 18 of thefirearm 10. When a user pushes this button or pad 502, such as with aforce substantially perpendicular to the right side of the firearm, themagazine release catch 72 translates along the central axis of themagazine release post 76 and no longer secures the magazine 28. Themagazine 28 is ejected from the lower receiver 26.

In addition, another button or pad 504 is provided on the left side ofthe firearm 10. When a user pushes this button or pad 504, such as witha force substantially perpendicular to the left side of the firearm, thestack lever 94 pivots such that the first protrusion 102 and hook 104interact with the notch 90 and ledge 92 of the magazine release catch72, respectively. The magazine release catch 72 pivots about the centralaxis of the magazine release post 76 and no longer secures the magazine28. The magazine 28 is ejected from the lower receiver 26. Therefore,both sides of the firearm are accessible to the user when he or shewishes to manually eject a magazine 28.

The firearm 10 of the present invention also provides for manualengagement of the bolt catch 126 on both the left side 16 and the rightside 18. On the left side 16 of the preferred embodiment, a button orpad 506 is provided on the second protrusion 134 on the bolt catch 126.By pressing this button or pad 506, such as with a force substantiallyperpendicular to the left side of the firearm, a user causes the boltcatch 126 to move into a position whereby its face 128 blocks the boltcarrier 130 from travelling forward.

On the right side 18 of the preferred embodiment, a button or pad 508 isprovided on the second access point 148 at the distal end 142 of therocker lever 138. By pressing button or pad 508, such as with a forcesubstantially perpendicular to the right side of the firearm, the rockerlever 138 pivots on the rocker lever mount and exerts a force on thedistal end 188 of the first link rod 180 by means of the barrel nut 190.This force is imparted to the left side 16 through the first link rod180, directly to the cavity 136 adjacent to the second protrusion 134 ofthe bolt catch 126. This moves the bolt catch 126 into the engagedposition with the face 128 retaining the bolt carrier 130 in therearward position.

The present invention also provides for the manual release of the boltcatch 126 from either the left side 16 or the right side 18 of thefirearm 10. On the left side 16 of the preferred embodiment, as isstandard for many firearms, a button or pad 510 is provided on the boltcatch 126 adjacent the face 128. When a user presses on the button orpad 510, such as with a force substantially perpendicular to the leftside of the firearm, the bolt catch 126 is released from the engagedposition and no longer blocks the bolt carrier 130 from travellingforward.

Another button or pad 512 is provided on the left side 16 of thepreferred embodiment. This button or pad 512 fits inside the walledcavity 124 formed in the stack lever mount 108, and when a user pressesthe button or pad 512, such as with a force substantially perpendicularto the left side of the firearm, a force is exerted on the distal end196 of the second link rod 182. The force is imparted through the linkrods 180, 182 and the rocker lever 138 directly to the cavity 136adjacent to the second protrusion 134 of the bolt catch 126, whichcauses the bolt catch 126 to be released and no longer block the path ofthe bolt carrier 130.

Another button or pad 514 is provided on the right side 18 of thepreferred embodiment. This button or pad 514 is provided on the firstaccess point 146 at the proximal end 140 of the rocker lever 138. When auser presses button or pad 514, such as with a force substantiallyperpendicular to the right side of the firearm, a force is exerted onthe barrel nut 190 which fastens the distal end 188 of the first linkrod 180. The force is imparted through the first link rod 180 directlyto the cavity 136 adjacent to the second protrusion 134 of the boltcatch 126, the bolt catch 126 is moved out of the engaged position andallows the bolt carrier 130 to move forward and strip a cartridge 32from the ammunition magazine and carry the cartridge 32 into the firingchamber.

The present invention also preferably provides a charging handle 200 formanually pulling the bolt carrier 130 rearwards. When not in use, aspring in the charging handle 200 biases the grip wings 206, 208 toremain in the inward folded state. The left grip wing 206 has a hookwhich engages a pocket on the standard upper receiver 198 keeping thehandle stowed. The left grip wing 206 and right grip wing 208 are foldedinwards and extend generally forwards.

When the user pushes on the rear face 210, the grip wings 206, 208 pivotand extend outwards, with the left grip wing 206 extending generallyperpendicular to the left of the firearm 10 and the right grip wing 208extending generally perpendicular to the right of the firearm 10. Theuser can use either hand, or both hands, to pull on either the left gripwing 206 or the right grip wing 208, or both. Pulling on either of thegrip wings 206, 208 moves the charging handle 200 rearwards. Since thebolt hook 216 of the charging handle 200 engages the bolt carrier 130,this causes the bolt carrier 130 to retract as well. Once the firearm 10is charged and the user returns the charging handle 200 to the forwardposition, the grip wings 206, 208 are urged back to the folded inwardposition by the spring in the charging handle 200 causing the hook 207in the left grip wing 206 to engage the pocket in the upper receiver198.

The preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawings shows theammunition magazine 28, the control group and the charging handle 200applied to an AR-15 rifle. However, it is understood that the presentinvention, including all of these components, can be applied to a widevariety of firearms. For example, they can be applied to replicas ofAR-15 rifles, M16 rifles, replicas of M16 rifles, M4 rifles, replicas ofM4 rifles and many others.

The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferredembodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadestinterpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

1. A charging handle for use with a firearm, said firearm having aforward end and a rearward end, and a left side and a right sideopposite the left side, said firearm comprising an upper receiver, achamber, a bolt carrier for stripping an ammunition cartridge from anammunition magazine and moving the ammunition cartridge forward to thechamber, said charging handle configured to be secured to the upperreceiver of the firearm, said charging handle comprising a front end anda rear end, and a shaft extending from the front end to the rear end,said charging handle further comprising a hook at the front end, whereinsaid hook engages the bolt carrier of the firearm, said charging handlefurther comprising a first grip wing and a second grip wing adjacent therear end, wherein when the charging handle is in use, the first gripwing extends outwards in a direction generally perpendicular to the leftside of the firearm and the second grip wing extends outwards in adirection generally perpendicular to the right side of the firearm,wherein when the charging handle is in use, the user grasps and pulls onone or both of the left grip wing and the right grip wing with arearwards force, causing the charging handle to move rearwards andcausing the bolt carrier to move rearwards, wherein when the charginghandle is not in use, the charging handle is spring biased so that thefirst grip wing folds inwards and extends in a direction generallyparallel to the left side of the firearm and the second grip wing foldsinwards and extends in a direction generally parallel to the right sideof the firearm.
 2. The charging handle of claim 1, wherein the charginghandle is configured so that a user action causes the first grip wingand the second grip wing to pivot from a position extending generallyparallel to the left side and the right side of the firearm,respectively, to a position extending generally perpendicular to theleft side and the right side of the firearm, respectively.
 3. Thecharging handle of claim 2, wherein the user action comprises applying aforce to a rear face at the rear end of the charging handle, causing thefirst grip wing and the second grip wing to pivot from a positionextending generally parallel to the left side and the right side of thefirearm, respectively, to a position extending generally perpendicularto the left side and the right side of the firearm, respectively.
 4. Thecharging handle of claim 1, wherein a hook on one of the first grip wingor the second grip wing is configured to engage a pocket in the upperreceiver to maintain the charging handle in a position where the firstgrip wing and the second grip wing are folded inwards.
 5. The charginghandle of claim 1, wherein the first grip wing comprises a first innersurface which faces a forward direction when the first grip wing extendsgenerally perpendicular to the left side of the firearm, wherein thefirst inner surface is concave in shape, and wherein the second gripwing comprises a second inner surface which faces a forward directionwhen the second grip wing extends generally perpendicular to the rightside of the firearm, wherein the second inner surface is concave inshape; wherein the concave first inner surface of the first grip wingand the concave second inner surface of the second grip wing provide apath for combustion gases to travel in a direction substantially towardsthe forward end of the firearm when the first grip wing and the secondgrip wing are folded parallel to the left side and the right side of thefirearm.